System for dispensing an active ingredient using a dispensable tablet, dispensable tablet and container for holding such dispensable tablets

Abstract

Dispensable tablet, container and system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine using a unit dose of the active ingredient for an operation of a warewashing machine. A plurality of dispensable tablets each contains an amount of the active ingredient equal to the unit dose. A container holds the plurality of dispensable tablets, each of the dispensable tablets containing the active ingredient, N of the plurality of dispensable tablets collectively containing an amount of the active ingredient equaling the unit dose, where N is an integer greater than zero and not more than ten. A dispenser, adapted to receive the dispensable tablets from the container and to be operably coupled to the warewashing machine, dispenses N of the plurality of dispensable tablets for the operation of the warewashing machine. The system prevents moisture from the warewashing machine from affecting the plurality of dispensable tablets being held in the container.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine using a unit dose of said active ingredient for an operation of said warewashing machine, comprising: 
 a plurality of dispensable tablets, each of said plurality of dispensable tablets having an exterior and containing an amount of said active ingredient equal to said unit dose;    a container for holding said plurality of dispensable tablets, each of said dispensable tablets containing said active ingredient, N of said plurality of dispensable tablets collectively containing an amount of said active ingredient equaling said unit dose, where N is an integer greater than zero and not more than ten; and    a dispenser, adapted to receive said dispensable tablets from said container and to be operably coupled to said warewashing machine, for dispensing N of said plurality of dispensable tablets for said operation of said warewashing machine;    wherein said system substantially prevents moisture from said warewashing machine from affecting said plurality of dispensable tablets being held in said container.    
     
     
         2 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein N is one.  
     
     
         3 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein N is greater than one.  
     
     
         4 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of dispensable tablets has a protective coating covering at least a portion of said exterior, wherein said protective coating is capable of protecting said dispensable tablet while said dispensable tablet is being dispensed, and wherein said protective coating is capable of dissolving during one of said plurality of operations of said warewashing machine.  
     
     
         5 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of dispensable tablets has a rounded shape.  
     
     
         6 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 5  wherein each of said plurality of dispensable tablets is spherical.  
     
     
         7 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein said active ingredient comprises a halogen source.  
     
     
         8 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 7  wherein said active ingredient is chlorine.  
     
     
         9 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 8  wherein said active ingredient is solid chlorine.  
     
     
         10 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein said active ingredient is a detergent.  
     
     
         11 . A system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein said active ingredient is a rinse additive.  
     
     
         12 . A system for dispensing a unit dose of an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 1  wherein said dispenser prevents heat from said warewashing machine from affecting said plurality of dispensable tablets being held in said container.  
     
     
         13 . A system for dispensing a unit dose of an active ingredient for a warewashing machine as in  claim 12  wherein said dispenser comprises a gum ball type dispenser.  
     
     
         14 . A dispensable tablet, adapted for use in a dispensing system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine operable in a plurality of operations, each of said operations of said warewashing machine using a unit dose of said active ingredient, comprising: 
 an amount of said active ingredient having an exterior formed into a rounded shape, said amount being equal to said unit dose; and    a protective coating covering at least a portion of said exterior of said amount of said active ingredient, said protective coating capable of protecting said dispensable tablet while said dispensable tablet is being dispensed, said protective coating dissolving during one of said plurality of operations of said warewashing machine.    
     
     
         15 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said rounded shape is spherical.  
     
     
         16 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said rounded shape is a disk.  
     
     
         17 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said protective coating comprises titanium dioxide.  
     
     
         18 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said active ingredient is chlorine.  
     
     
         19 . A dispensable tablet as in claim  38  wherein said active ingredient is solid chlorine.  
     
     
         20 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said active ingredient is a detergent.  
     
     
         21 . A dispensable tablet as in  claim 14  wherein said active ingredient is a rinse additive.  
     
     
         22 . A container of dispensable tablets adapted to be used in a warewashing machine operable in a plurality of operations, each of said plurality of operations of said warewashing machine using a unit dose of an active ingredient, comprising: 
 a plurality of dispensable tablets, each of said plurality of dispensable tablets having an exterior formed into a rounded shape and containing an amount of said active ingredient equal to said unit dose; and    a container for holding said plurality of dispensable tablets.    
     
     
         23 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein each of said plurality of dispensable tablets has a protective coating covering at least a portion of said exterior, wherein said protective coating is capable of protecting said dispensable tablet while said dispensable tablet is being dispensed, and wherein said protective coating is capable of dissolving during one of said plurality of operations of said warewashing machine.  
     
     
         24 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said rounded shape is spherical.  
     
     
         25 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said rounded shape is a disk.  
     
     
         26 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said active ingredient is chlorine.  
     
     
         27 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said active ingredient is solid chlorine.  
     
     
         28 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said active ingredient is a detergent.  
     
     
         29 . A container as in  claim 22  wherein said active ingredient is a rinse additive.